A Biomarker for Past Crocidolite Exposure
It was only a matter of time before molecular biological methods allowing screening for past potentially toxic exposures were developed. In "DNA Double Strand Breaks by Asbestos, Silica and Titanium dioxide: Possible Biomarker of Carcinogenic Potential?' the authors from NIOSH, Health Effects Laboratory Branch, report that crocidolite was much more likely to produce DNA double strand breaks leading to a molecule that can be detected by fluorescent antibody. What this will mean for mass torts is anyone's guess but its implications for cases involving medical monitoring claims or mesothelioma claims where the plaintiff has failed to identify any amphobile exposures are obvious.
Interestingly, while similar effects were seen for crystalline silica and titanium dioxide, they were significantly less pronounced than that induced by crocidolite.
